If you need to replace your Subaru key fob or program a new one, you may be wondering if you can handle this task in your Lakeland garage. For drivers with a new Subaru, an authorized Subaru dealership service center will need to complete the Subaru key fob programming process. If, however, your Subaru is a bit older, then programming the key fob at home in Lakeland Highlands or Winter Haven may be possible. Subaru Lakeland covers the steps to follow below, in addition to discussing how to replace a Subaru key fob battery. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Programming Your Subaru Key Fob

Before you can start learning how to program your Subaru key fob, you will need to confirm that your vehicle has the type of fob that can be programmed by the vehicle owner. Usually these key fobs have a teardrop shape. If you have this type of key fob, simply follow these next sets of instructions to program your Subaru key fob.

How to Find Your 8-Digit Subaru Key Fob Programming Code

1. Open the key fob case for access to the transmitter circuit board. You will see one or two series of numbers (8 digits each) on the transmitter.
2. Jot down the first 8-digit number series on a piece of paper so you will have it conveniently available later on in the programming process. 
3. Put the key fob case back together.
4. Sit in the driver's seat of your Subaru. Make sure all of the doors are closed and the vehicle is off. 

How to Program Your Subaru Key Fob Program & Enter Your Code

To program your Subaru key fob successfully, complete the next steps carefully, yet quickly:

1. Open the driver's side door, and unlock all of the doors with the door button control. Close the driver's side door.
2. Put the key in the ignition. 
3. Turn the key so the electrical systems turn on, but do not turn the engine on. Turn the key back to the off position--you must do this quickly ten times in a row.
4. The instrument panel will emit a chime when you reach the tenth time. 
5. Open and close the driver's side door again. The chime should sound a second time, and the vehicle's dome lights will flash.
6. Once this is complete, you will have 45 seconds to program the 8-digit transmitter number into the engine computer using the lock/unlock button on the driver's side door as the chime continues.

Follow the next steps provided to program the 8-digit number series: 

1. Find the lock/unlock buttons in the driver's side door. They are located next to the window buttons.
2. Looking at the first digit in the transmitter sequence, press the lock button the amount of times the number indicates, then press the unlock button once.
3. Repeat step 2 for each digit in the sequence.
4. You should hear a chime coming from the outside of the vehicle in confirmation.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 again to confirm the number sequence was properly entered. If so, you will hear the vehicle's locking system click in engagement.
6. Open and close the door, then press lock or unlock on your key fob.
7. Remove the key from the ignition, and the chime will sound once again.
8. Open and close the door once more, then in approximately five seconds, the key fob should be working. Test the key fob by pressing the buttons. 

How to Open a Subaru Key Fob & Replace a Dead Battery

For those who drive a newer Subaru around Bartow and Lake Wales, you can still learn how to replace a Subaru key fob battery. Follow the steps below on how to change the battery in a Subaru key fob. 

Battery Replacement for Newer Subaru Key Fob (Rectangle Shape) - Requires a 2032 Battery

1. On the back of the key fob, push the small silver tab, and pop out the metal key.
2. Next to where the key was taken, insert the tip of the key or a flathead screwdriver into the gap between the front and back of the key fob. 
3. Open the key fob cover by twisting gently. 
4. Find the battery, which could be located on the other side of the transmitter circuit board.
5. Remove the battery, place the new one in, and ensure the correct side is facing up.
6. Put the battery pack together, and re-insert the metal key. 

Get Subaru Key Fob Help at Subaru Lakeland

If you have questions regarding how to program a Subaru key fob or you drive a newer model, be sure to contact us for more information, or set up an appointment with us online. We're just a short drive from Auburndale.